This week has been an emotional roller coaster. I was WAY more sad than I thought I was going to be... leaving all of my friends. Actually, I will say family. My work family. Every single member of my work family has affected me in some way... helped me grow... helped me learn... challenged me... loved me... cried with me... laughed with me... I could go on for a while. I will NEVER forget these people.
I will also NEVER forget the patients. The kids that I have worked with are some of the most amazing people I will ever meet in my life. Period. They have taught me so much. I don't have the words to describe what they all mean to me. No matter if I worked with those kids for an hour or for 3 years... all have touched my heart and taken a piece of it.
My work family 'surprised' me with a going away party on Tuesday (it really would have been a surprise IF I didn't read an email that was sent to me and people weren't acting so funny when I showed up for my meeting! ha.), complete with crazy amounts of food, people I love, laughs, tears AND an awesome Honduran flag cake baked/decorated by Shelby. It was one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done and it was really, really good. And still is, as I have more than half of it left!
(it was even ORANGE inside b/c it's my fave color!)
Carol even drove all the way in, still on maternity leave, to say hi/goodbye... and of course to show off her beautiful baby boy! :)
I was so overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and kind words! It was a wonderful party. I even got a TON of toys, games, crayons, and other things for the kids at NPH. So amazing. I seriously work with some awesome people. The most surprising thing of all. I did NOT cry. Ok, ok, close your mouths... I know you are shocked. It's true. I held it together.
I held it together until yesterday and today. I was kind of like a faucet. Crying on. Crying off. Doing totally fine. Completely falling apart. I suppose it is expected... and I survived!
I even brought my camera to take pictures of things:
Yes, that would be NSU's fish tank... we are proud of it!
And my work family:
Dev and me. Love you, girl.
Me and Kenya! You are going to be AMAZING!
BIG smiles with Deb
I have a TON of other pictures... but this blog, here, will be a little overloaded. (Be sure to check FB, cause they will sure to be there!)
I am just so thankful for all that I have been through at that place. Even if I didn't realize it at the time of my frustrations, disappointments, excitements, etc. were preparing me for whatever my future held. My future is almost a reality. This marks the end of one more chapter, and the beginning of the next. I am reallllly looking forward to seeing my friends and family over the next couple of months. And much quicker than I realize... I will be hopping on the plane heading to Honduras.
This is it.
Closing a door before opening another one is the hardest part! You are going to receive so much grace in Honduras, not only for the work you will be doing, but also all the PRAYERS that those of us still state side will be sending your way.
ReplyDeleteYou will be a blessing to everyone no matter where you go - and we will miss you so much. :)